SR0256 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0256 LRB095 12512 DRJ 37718 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, A large proportion of diseases and disorders is preventable; modifiable health risk factors are precursors to a large number of diseases and disorders and to premature death; and

WHEREAS, Modifiable health risks can be improved through health promotion and disease prevention programs; and

WHEREAS, Health promotion and disease prevention programs can save the State money in health care expenditures and produce a positive return on investment; and

WHEREAS, According to a 2004 study, tobacco was the leading cause of actual deaths in the U.S.; tobacco use was responsible for 435,000 deaths, which was over 18% of total deaths in the U.S.; and

WHEREAS, An analysis of 22 peer-reviewed studies showed that for every dollar invested in health promotion, there was an average savings of $5.81; there was an average reduction of health care cost of 26%; and

WHEREAS, Based on 2001 data, if Illinois reduced smoking in the Medicaid population by 10%, the savings would be $16 million; a 25% reduction would result in a savings of $40 million; a 50% reduction would save Medicaid $81 million; and

WHEREAS, Creating incentives for Medicaid recipients to quit smoking will save money for the State and improve the quality of life of the former smokers; the State does not have to create the program from scratch but can enter into an agreement with experts in the health-and-wellness field to maximize immediate savings; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall create an incentive-based smoking cessation program for Medicaid recipients; the program shall be in operation by January 1, 2008; the Department may enter into an agreement with a third party to create or run the program; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Department shall report to the Senate by January 1, 2009 on the progress of the program; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be delivered to the Director of Healthcare and Family Services.